Announcing RESPOND Project Briefs: Views on Family Planning and LA/PMs

February 2013

• Project Brief No. 10
  Views on Family Planning and Long-Acting and Permanent Methods: Insights from Nigeria
  (PDF, 3.4MB)
• Project Brief No. 11
  Views on Family Planning and Long-Acting and Permanent Methods: Insights from Malawi
  (PDF, 3.2MB)
• Project Brief No. 12
  Views on Family Planning and Long-Acting and Permanent Methods: Insights from Cambodia
  (PDF, 3.2MB) 

In 2011 and 2012, The RESPOND Project conducted qualitative research in Nigeria, Malawi, and Cambodia to gain insights into the factors that may constrain the use of long-acting and permanent methods of contraception (LA/PMs)-the intrauterine device (IUD), the hormonal implant, female sterilization, and vasectomy. These countries were chosen because they are U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) priority countries and because they represent not only geographic diversity, but also diversity in contraceptive prevalence and method mix.

Key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and in-depth interviews were conducted to develop a qualitative understanding of how some people view family planning, as well as their perceptions of family size and their experience with contraception, including LA/PMs. These briefs feature the results of this research. Though circumstances vary among these countries, common findings include the need to: 1) increase knowledge about and communicate positive messages on LA/PMs (focusing particularly on how well the attributes of LA/PMs match up with the desires of couples who want no more children); 2) transform gender norms to support joint, informed decision making about family planning; and 3) capture the stories and experiences of actual clients to promote LA/PMs.